Pigmenation Removal

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Frequently Asked Questions
 

Skin Pigmentation Removal

What types of brown spots or pigmented lesions will laser remove?
The GentleLase laser is most commonly used for removing brown age spots, freckles and many types of brown birthmarks.  Your Therapist will identify your specific type of lesion and discuss the removal success rate associated with it.

Important: The laser cannot be used for the removal of lesions that are cancerous or suspected of being cancerous.  If there is any suspicion that the lesion may be cancerous, we will strongly recommend that you consult a Dermatologist without delay.

Is it safe?

Yes.  The laser is a controlled form of light and the CANDELA GentleLase machine is approved for use.  The laser light, although bright is not strong enough to penetrate the skin below a depth of 1mm so it cannot damage other organs.

Can Laser remove my normal skin pigment also?

The laser light was designed for its properties that selectively target dark concentrations of melanin.  If after removal of the abnormal concentrations of melanin treatment continued on normal skin; some whitening could occur.  However, your body’s natural regenerative processes would replace the normal melanin after a period of time, returning the skin to its natural colour.

Does it hurt?

The level of discomfort is different for every person depending on sensitivity; other considerations include the location and surface area to be treated.  Most clients do not request any pain control during treatment and relate the discomfort as comparable to mild sunburn.  Your therapist will discuss your options with you based upon your own tolerance and the body area to be treated.

How does it look afterwards?

After the treatment, the area will feel hot, similar to a slight sunburn, sometimes for up to several hours.  Discomfort disappears over the next few hours, a scab or crust will develop over the area, and this looks darker than the original lesion.  This will last between 8-14 days depending on the size and site (longer on arms and legs).  When the scab comes off, the area will be pink for another couple of weeks and then will return to its final colour.

How much area can be covered in one treatment?

At least 80% of all common pigmented lesions are removed with one treatment.  If a lesion covers a large area, your therapist may advise you to treat the area in several stages, to avoid unnecessary discomfort. 

How long will the healing process take?

Everyone heals at various rates depending on the depth of treatment, the particular areas treated and your own health and condition.  Noticeable results are typically seen in a few weeks.  Areas such as legs, arms or hands, may take up to a month for the full treatment benefits to become apparent.
What are the possible unwanted effects of Laser treatment?

Lasers have been around for decades and are proven to be safe and approved for use, occasionally we see some mild unwanted effects including redness, swelling, and light bruising of the treated area.  These side effects typically endure for only a few days, less frequently there may be a more noticeable change in skin pigmentation after treatment:

Increased pigmentation (Hyperpigmentation)

This is more likely to occur in those individuals with darker skin.  It may also occur if you expose your skin to the sun and solariums within three months after treatment. Whenever you go outdoors in the first three months after laser therapy you must always wear effective sunscreen protection on the treated area eg: an SPF 30+ sunscreen plus a good physical barrier such as a foundation or zinc cream. If hyperpigmentation does develop your family doctor can prescribe a depigmenting cream.

Decreased pigmentation (Hypopigmentation)

A small number of patients develop a lighter skin colour in the treated area.  Although the skin colour usually returns to normal within 3 to 6 months.

Can the excess pigmentation come back?

Common pigmented lesions do not return.  Some lesions may return after a period of several months to a year.  However, the procedure can be repeated with similar results.  The conditions that we treat vary in extent and severity from client to client.  Consequently, each client response to any treatment does vary, and we are unable to guarantee individual results. 

What type of post-treatment care is necessary?

A shower can be taken the next day, but avoid scrubbing the treated area.  Since most common pigmented lesions are caused by exposure to ultraviolet sunrays, it is imperative that you always wear sunscreen.  Failure to wear a protective sunscreen will allow further sun damage to occur and result in new pigmented lesions. 

Advice – Please Protect your skin!

For best protection, Cancer Council Australia recommend a combination of sun protection measures:

 

 

Slip on some sun-protective clothing – that covers as much skin as possible Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30+ sunscreen.  Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards.  Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun. Slap on a hat – that protects your face, head, neck and ears Seek shade Slide on some sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards

 
Extra care should be taken between 10am and 3pm when UV levels reach their peak.

See http://www.cancer.org.au/cancersmartlifestyle/SunSmart/Preventingskincancer.html